Nestled in the heart of the Caribbean Sea, the enchanting island chain of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is cherished for its palm-fringed white sand beaches and perpetual sunshine.

In contrast to some of its regional counterparts, this destination has retained its unspoiled charm, escaping the clutches of over-commercialization in the tourism industry.

If you're gearing up for a tropical island retreat, acquaint yourself with these seven intriguing facts about Saint Vincent and the Grenadines before going on your journey:

It Has 32 Islands

Encompassing a sprawling expanse of 33 square miles (86 square kilometers), Saint Vincent and the Grenadines form a captivating archipelago consisting of 32 islands and cays, according to Enjoy Travel.

However, only nine of these islands are inhabited and accessible to the public. Positioned between Saint Vincent and Grenada, the Grenadine islands add a picturesque charm to the archipelago.

Among the inhabited islands, Bequia claims the title of the largest. Additionally, several islands, including Calivigny, remain privately owned, adding an element of exclusivity to this Caribbean paradise.

It Has the Oldest Botanical Garden in the Western Hemisphere

Established in 1765, the St Vincent and the Grenadines Botanic Gardens proudly hold the distinction of being the oldest botanical garden in the Western Hemisphere.

Originating as a modest six-acre plot devoted to advancing botanical studies, this historical garden took shape without direct British funding.

Instead, the endeavor was privately financed by Robert Melvill, a Scottish soldier and botanist, during his time in the Windward Isles. In its initial stages, the garden housed approximately 52 plant species.

Christopher Columbus Did Not Visit the Island

Originally, it was thought that Christopher Columbus arrived on the main island on St. Vincent's Day in 1498, inspiring the name of the island.

However, subsequent research has confirmed that Columbus was in Spain during that period and never actually visited Saint Vincent, The Facts Institute noted.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Flag

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's flag consists of a vertical yellow stripe with three green diamonds in the center, flanked by narrower green and blue stripes on either side.

The V-shape formed by the diamonds symbolizes Saint Vincent, while the blue represents the sky, the yellow signifies sunshine, and the green represents the lush terrain of the islands.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines National Symbol

The Saint Vincent and the Grenadines's national symbol is the Saint Vincent Amazon (Amazona guildingii), commonly known as the Saint Vincent Parrot.

This unique bird is exclusive to the Island of Saint Vincent and is currently endangered, with fewer than 1,000 estimated to remain in existence.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines' First Inhabitants

Saint Vincent was initially inhabited by the Ciboney people, who were later joined and eventually displaced by the Arawak people.

The Arawak people originated in Venezuela and settled throughout the West Indies. Subsequently, the islands were conquered by the Carib Indians of South America around 1300

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

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